News Stories from February 2025

Welcoming the Stranger: Christ Church’s Ongoing Mission with Journey’s End

February 25, 2025 / By Rev. Daven Oskvig, Christ United Methodist Church in Amherst / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

"For I was a stranger and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35)  For 26 years, Christ Church Amherst has lived out these words by extending a compassionate welcome to refugees seeking a new beginning. Through its enduring partnership with Journey’s End Refugee Services in Buffalo, the church has embraced families from across the globe, providing them with safe homes, essential resources, and a supportive community.   Since 1999, Christ Church …more

United Methodist Church bishops issue call for prayer and support for Ukraine

February 21, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Editor's Note: The Council of Bishops released the following statement on Friday, February 21, 2025, marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The statement expresses solidarity, support, and prayers for the people of Ukraine and The United Methodist Church of Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. On this solemn anniversary marking three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we, the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist …more

Conference Office closed on February 14, 2025

February 14, 2025 / By

Due to inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool will be closed today, February 14, with staff working remotely. The office will also be closed on Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents' Day and will reopen on Tuesday, February 18. …more

United Methodists join suit against Trump policy

February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

United Methodists have joined over two dozen Christian and Jewish organizations in a federal lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The suit challenges a Trump administration policy permitting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to conduct raids in "sensitive locations," including houses of worship. The plaintiffs argue that this policy infringes upon their religious freedom and hinders their mission to care for migrants. United Methodists …more

What are Ministry Shares?

February 12, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Do you know the strength in the United Methodist Connection? When several Upper New York churches were severely damaged after the “Blizzard of the Century” in December 2022, a church in Cape Cod, Massachusetts collected $30,000 and split it evenly among three churches in the Buffalo-area to help with the clean-up efforts. This church is not part of the Upper New York Conference, but members felt compelled to help. This …more

UNY Conference Leadership Team focuses on innovation and sustainability

February 11, 2025 / By Shelby Winchell, Director of Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

In early February, the UNY Conference Leadership Team (CLT) gathered to continue its meaningful work on behalf of United Methodists of Upper New York.  The meeting included strategic updates from the Executive Staff Team and Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez. Also, the CLT continued its discussions on the net asset project, which is steadily progressing. This project aims to create alternative, permanent sources of …more

Fighting for food justice: A Methodist call to action

February 11, 2025 / By Deaconess Susan Silhan, Healing and Wholeness Ministry / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

This past Sunday on February 9, 2025, Home Missioner Robert Pessolissi, Director of the Interfaith Public Health Network (IPHN), shared a powerful message “Holiness and Wholeness: Looking at Public Health through a Methodist Lens” at Odessa-Catharine UMC in the Mountain View District. Bob is a native of Syracuse but resides in Poughkeepsie and is commissioned to the IPHN in the New York Conference. His message reminded those in attendance …more

CCORR offers prayer sessions

February 11, 2025 / By Georgia Whitney, CCORR Co-Convener / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

The work of confronting racism can be bruising for the soul. Knowing this, your Conference Commission on Religion and Race (CCORR) seeks to offer inspiration, a listening ear, and the opportunity to come together in prayer on a regular basis. Beginning Tuesday, February 18, members of CCORR will open a Zoom meeting room at 12 p.m. using this link. In these 15-minute sessions, we’ll offer a short prepared …more

Conference Office closed on February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Due to the inclement weather, the Conference Office in Liverpool is closed today, February 6. It is scheduled to reopen on Friday, February 7. …more

Cady Grants applications now being accepted

February 3, 2025 / By UNY Communications / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Could you or your ministry qualify for a Cady Grant? The Cady Grant is a valuable funding opportunity available to local United Methodist churches, individual United Methodists, and district or conference ministry teams within the Upper New York Conference. This grant supports educational initiatives that foster growth, learning, and leadership development within the church and community.  Cady Grants have supplemented, supported, and financed many creative projects.  In the …more